Limited clinical studies on TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) Alpha Blocker drugs have led the FDA to require black warnings on pharmaceutical drugs such as Remicade, Simponi, Humira, Enbrel and Cimzia. While these drugs suppress the immune system to treat arthritis and other medical conditions, they have also been linked to
fungal infections and an increased risk of
cancer in children. So, why weren't these serious side effects discovered earlier? Product liability lawyers contend that manufacturers wanted to protect their market share.
Protecting market share
Manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson, Abbot Laboratories, UCB Global Pharma, Amgen and Wyeth Laboratories have been accused of not conducting enough clinical trials on these drugs – or being selective with the information they provided to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). According to Jason Richards, a Florida Attorney whose firm represents injured TNF Alpha Blocker victims, “They should have warned about these risks sooner and they didn’t do it because they were looking to protect their market share.”
More studies likely
The FDA has asked manufacturers to conduct further clinical studies, but have issued black warnings on the drugs until that research has been completed. In the meantime, product liability lawyers say that additional studies linking these drugs to cancer are likely. He told us:
The problem with these alpha blockers is that they suppress the immune system, and we know when you do that you’re more susceptible to infection and disease. Now there appears to more scientific evidence that these potential diseases include an increased risk of cancer. I think that we're going to see additional studies come out that establish a stronger connection between these alpha blockers and various forms of cancer. It certainly seems to be trending that way.
If you've been injured by a TNF Alpha Blocker, contact an experienced TNF Alpha Blocker attorney for a free and confidential case review. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.
